Four-year starter Tom Zetts took over the position in the spring of 2004 and never missed a start over the next four years. That spring, Zetts replaced Aaron Marshall, who had a wealth of experience after starting 17 of the previous 20 games.

    After years of experience, YSU now has plenty of inexperience at the quarterback position. Junior Todd Rowan has been with the program the previous three years. Junior Brandon Summers transferred from Toledo in January. Freshman Paul Corsaro redshirted last year behind Zetts, Rowan and early on Ferlando Williams.

    In his backup role, Rowan has completed just one career pass. Summers did not see action last year for the Rockets, but did see time in 2006. He played in five games, starting two where he completed 14-of-23 passes. Corsaro has a tremendous amount of talent after showing his versatility in high school at Indianapolis' Roncalli High School.
    No matter who is taking the snaps, there is plenty of talent on the offense to make the transition a bit easier.

    Tailbacks Kevin Smith, Jabari Scott and Brandon Nicholson return after stepping in last year and fullback Ben Lane will help pave the way. The three combined for 1,302 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2007. Iowa transfer Dana Brown, who had a tremendous high school career in Pennsylvania, and redshirts Kamryn Keys and Josh Lee bring potential entering the spring.
    The tight end position is exceptionally deep led by second-team all-league pick senior Derrick Bush. Junior Bruce Palmer along with redshirts Pat Bellish, Brian McLaughlin, Donny Olson and David Rogers will all look to contribute. Bush caught 30 passes for 310 yards last year.

    The wide receiver spots feature the versatile Williams, Da'Michael Horne, Aaron Pitts and Dominique Barnes. Williams was the Gateway Newcomer of the Year and a first-team All-Gateway pick after catching 42 passes for 499 yards and rushing for 464 yards on 74 attempts. Ty Campana and Nick Canterino will be joined by redshirts Ely Ducatel and Dionte Snow.

    The offensive line features three seniors in All-American Brad Samsa, Tyler Booth and Nhemie Theodore. Also returning from last year is center Bobby Coates, guard Justin Rechichar and guard Brian Mellott. Stiles O'Brien overcame an injury and should step in at tackle while redshirts Greg Sazdanoff, Andy Colegrove and Corbin Williamson have a chance to contribute.

    On defense, the linebackers and safeties will be the area of emphasis. Mainstays at linebacker Jeremiah Wright and James Terry along with veteran safeties Dorian Chenualt, James Terry and Bob Perez have departed.

    The front line will be the anchor to the unit. All-American Mychal Savage and Torrance Nicholson lead the way up front. Savage was a first-team all-conference pick while Nicholson was an honorable-mention selection. On the ends are sophomores Na'eem Outler and Lucas Matelan. Deon'te Williams, Roger Gillum, John Penick, Bobby Lykes-Knight and redshirt Joshua Myers will be counted on up front.

    The linebacker corps will be young in experience, but will have an impressive amount of talent. Roshon Simons will step in at the middle linebacker spot while redshirts Adam House, John Sasson and David Rach will make an impact. Nate Ward, Mike Barlak and Nick Mernedakis all return with experience and junior college transfer Draye Ersery joined the program in January.

    YSU returns its main three cornerbacks from last year in De'Angelo Wilson, Jarvis Richards and Lenny Wicks. All three started in during the year and combined for five interceptions. Adding strong depth at the positions are Tom Krupko, J.R. Hodge, Randy Louis and Everett Barney.

    A pair of sophomores are being expected to step in at the safety spots. Brandian Ross and Nick Gooden, who were special teams standouts last year, will have to step up at the back of the defense. Gardner-Webb transfer Andre Elliott, senior Tony Kavouras and redshirts Scott Sentner, Joe Harder and Jay Wiezbiski will get a crack at playing time this spring.

    Special teams is one area where the Penguins should excel this camp. YSU's placekicker, holder, snapper, punter, kickoff specialist, primary punt returner and kick returners from last year return.

    Senior Brian Palmer was a second-team All-Gateway pick and made his final 11 field-goal attempts of the season. Junior punter Ben Nowicki was an honorable-mention all-league pick after punting 47 times last year. Sophomore Stephen Blose was solid handling the kickoff duties.

    Palmer will have the comfort of relying on three-year holder Rowan and four-year snapper Mike Barlak. The trio has worked together the past two seasons.

    Wilson returned 27 punts and 11 kickoffs last season while Horne returned 10 kickoffs. Speedsters Josh Lee and Kamryn Keys will be in the mix to return kickoffs while Barnes could see time on punt returns.